Open Road Makes Netflix Deal

Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and Open Road Films today announced a multi-year agreement to bring movies distributed theatrically by Open Road Films exclusively to Netflix for digital streaming in the “pay TV window,” after their release on DVD. The deal will allow Netflix members to instantly watch OpenRoad Films titles on various devices streaming from Netflix.

Open Road Films CEO Tom Ortenberg stated, “Netflix provides us the opportunity to bring Open Road Films titles to consumers in the most innovative ways possible, and this partnership is an important part of our new model for theatrical distribution. As we establish Open Road Films as a dynamic company, we couldn’t be more pleased about working with the team at Netflix as they continue to break new ground.”

Added Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, “Netflix is happy to be in business with Tom Ortenberg and the rest of the team at Open Road Films. With their keen eye for commercial content and a savvy business plan, we are confident that Open Road will bring Netflix members adiverse array of successful and high-quality films.”

Open Road Films’ debut film – the action thriller Killer Elite starring Jason Statham, Robert DeNiro and Clive Owen – is scheduled to be one of the first titles available to Netflix members under the new deal. The Host, the big screen adaptation of Twilight series author Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novel – which will be directed by Andrew Niccol (“Gattaca”) and will star Saoirse Ronan (“Hanna,” “The Lovely Bones,” “Atonement”) – is set for theatrical release on March 29, 2013 and is another highly-anticipated film that will be available for streaming via Netflix in the future. Additional Open Road Films titles that will be available to Netflix members will be announced soon.